Plumbing trap

ABSTRACT

This trap can be used as a replacement for many traps now commonly used in connecting sinks and like water receptacles to drain pipes and it can be quickly and easily detached from and lifted out of the receptacle with which it is used for cleaning purposes without getting under the receptacle or disconnecting the receptacle from the drain pipe with which it is connected and when removed from the receptacle it can be quickly and easily cleaned. Small metal objects accidentally dropped into it are retained there and are readily recovered.

United States Patent 1191 Whitsett 1 51 Apr. 10, 1973 PLUMBING TRAP [76] Inventor: Gilbert E. Whitsett, Route 3, Box

514, Hermiston, Oreg. 97838 [22] Filed: Dec. 17, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 99,146

[52] US. Cl ..4/197 [51] Int. Cl ..E03c 1/29 [58] Field of Search ..4/191, 197,207, 4/206, 287, 290

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 309,819 12/1884 COlahal'l.... ..4/197 418,831 -1/1890 Wade ..4/197 1,183,568 5/1916 Keevan ..4/2o7 2,263,537 11/1941 Fredrickson ..4/287 2,279,683 4/1942 1118611 6! al. ..4/287 2,905,951 9/1959 Weddendorf, Jr ..4/287 3,007,179 1 H1961 13611111111 ..4/287 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 318,419 6/1934 Italy ..4/206 671,257 2/1939 Germany ..4/ l 97 372,456 5/1932 Great Britain- 482,598 4/1938 Great Britain 533,893 l0/l955 ltaly ..4/207 570,184 12/1957 Italy ..4/206 Primary Examiner-Frederick L. Matteson Assistant Examiner-Donald B. Massenberg Attorney-Fred C. Matheny [57] ABSTRACT This trap can-be used as a replacement for many traps now commonly used in connecting sinks and like water receptacles to drain pipes and it can be quickly and easily detached from and lifted out of the receptacle with which it is used for cleaning purposes without getting under the receptacle or disconnecting the receptacle from the drain pipe with which it is connected and when removed from the receptacle it can be quickly and easily cleaned. Small metal objects accidentally dropped into it are retained there and are readily recovered.

6 Clains, 6 Drawing Figures PLUMBING TRAP BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional plumbing traps used to connect water receptacles, such as sinks, bath tubs, wash basins, laundry tubs and the like with drain or sewer pipes are liable to become clogged and require cleaning. These traps are located beneath the receptacles, usually in SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of my invention is to provide a plumbing trap which is more quickly and easily removed and cleaned and replaced than is the usual conventional plumbing trap and one which can be removed for cleaning without breaking the hydraulic connection between the water receptacle and its drain pipe, thus minimizing the danger of spilling water.

Another object is to provide a plumbing trap which is particularly well adapted for use in connection with kitchen sinks.

Another object is to provide a plumbing trap which will catch and retain small objects made of heavy material, such as finger rings, and from which such objects can be quickly and easily recovered by removing the trap. r

Another object is to provide a plumbing trap in which a water outlet tube, a cup shaped trap member which receives and extends upwardly over said tube and a strainer member through which water enters the tube are readily attachable and detachable relative to each other, whereby the three parts can be handled as a unit in removing them from and applying them to a water receptacle, the strainer normally being detached from the tube for purposes of ordinary use.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view, with parts in elevation, of a plumbing trap embodying my invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary detached partly in section and partly in elevation, of a sink strainer embodied in the invention.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary detached view partly in sec: tion and partly in elevation, of a water outlet tube embodied in the invention. 7

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of said water outlet tube, taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view showing part of the top end portion of a cup shaped trap member having a catch device on it.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, detached view in elevation ofa water outlet tube embodied in the invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. 1 the numeral 10 indicates a fragment of the bottom of an ordinary kitchen sink and 11 indicates a depressed portion thereof which surrounds the usual opening in the sink bottom, In accordance with my invention I provide a tubular fitting 12 of the correct size and shape to fit within the opening in the sink bottom and which can be used as a replacement for the usual fitting. Said fitting 12 has, at its top end, an external flange 13 adapted to rest on the depressed part 11 of the sink bottom 10 and said fitting is externally threaded, preferably from end to end. Also the fitting 12 is provided at its lower end with an inwardly extending flange 14 of substantial thickness. The flange 14 forms a shoulder 15 within the fitting 12 and said flange 14 has a preferably fairly coarse thread internally thereof. The fitting 12 is adapted to be secured in place in the sink bottom 10 by a nut 17' and the usual gasket 18 is provided between the sink bottom part 11 and nut 17.

An external housing tube 19 of fairly large diameter has its upper end externally threaded and externally provided with a wrench receiving flange 20 so it can be screwed onto the lower end portion of the fitting 12 and sealed by a gasket 21 against the nut 17. The lower end of the housing 19 is so shaped as to facilitate its connection with a drain pipe, for instance by providing it with anipple 22. The housing tube 19 houses the trap itselfand forms a permanent water tight connection between the sink and the usual drain pipe and this con- I nection does not need to be disturbed in cleaning the trap.

The removable trap mechanism for use within the housing tube 19 comprises a water outlet tube 23 of substantial length but shorter than the housing tube 19 and which has,,at its upper end, an integral or otherwise rigidly connected external flange 24' of substantial thickness. The flange 24 is provided with an external thread 25 suitable to be threaded into the internal thread l6'of the fitting l2. Said flange 24 is further provided at its upper edge and above the thread 25 with an overhanging lip or flange 26 adapted to overhang shoulder 15 of the tubular fitting; 12. Preferably an O- ring 26 is used as a sealing member between flange 26 and shoulders 15 because an O-ring will retain its circular shape better and is less liable, when being handled, to be dropped into the housing 1l9 than is an ordinary gasket.

The flanged upper end portion of water outlet tube 23 is concavely recessed as indicated at 28 so as to provide a shoulder 28 which serves as a seat for a gasket or plug 29 on the lower end of a sink strainer 30. A cross member or bar 31 is rigid with and extends across the upper end portion of the water outlet tube 23 and is narrow enough so as to leave twofairly large water outlet openings 32 at its opposite sides. Preferably the cross bar 31 has a perforation 33 provided in it axially of the tube 23 and which is adapted to receive a centering pin 34 that extends downwardly from the bottom of the strainer 30. The parts of cross member 31 at opposite sides of perforation 33 serve as catch members by which tube 23 may be turned and lifted by turning and lifting the strainer 30. Said strainer 30 is provided with two diametrically oppoaite, downwardly extending L-shaped hooks or trap turning and lifting members 35 which are positioned so they can be passed downwardly through the openings 32 and then, by turning the strainer 30 in one direction, caused to hook under and press against parts of the member 31 which serve as catch means, and, by turning said strainer in the opposite direction, caused to press against the same catch parts of member 31 without hooking under the same.

A relatively strong bail 36 by which the strainer can be lifted and turned is pivotally connected with the upper portion of the strainer 30 and is dimensioned so it will lie within the strainer when folded.

In threading flange 24 of tube 23 into and out of engagement with the internally threaded flange 14 of fitting 12, the bale 36 serves as a means by which the strainer can be turned and the hooks 35 connect the strainer with the sink outlet tube 23 so that said tube can be either screwed into or out of engagement with the tubular fitting 12. if tube 23 is turned in one direction and completely unscrewed from the fitting 12 the hooks 35 will be hooked under the catch member 31 and the tube 23 and a cup shaped trap member 40, which is connected with it, can be lifted out of the housing tube 19 for cleaning purposes.

In threading the tube 23 into engagement with fitting 12 the hooks 35 will be pressed against but will not be hooked under the catch parts of member 31 and will be so aligned with the openings 32 that the strainer 30 alone, cam be lifted for ordinary strainer use in the sink. Obviously the shape of the strainer 30 can be varied when this trap is applied to water receptacles in which it is desirable to have the strainer flush with the bottom of the receptacle.

The cup shaped trap member 40 is of substantially larger diameter than the tube 23 and it extends upwardly over said tube 23 and is supported from said tube 23 with its top end spaced a substantial distance below flange 24. This allows ample space for water to pass upwardly between said trap member 40 and the tube 23 and to overflow the upper most end of the trap member 40. Obviously the upper end portion of trap member 40 can be modified to provide therein overflow openings or notches which permit the discharge of water if parts of the upper end of said trap contact flange 24.

The means herein disclosed for supporting trap cup 40 from tube 23 and flange 24 so it can be readily attached and detached comprises, preferably three, inwardly extending catch members 41 which are angularly spaced apart and are rigid with the upper end of the cup 40 and adapted to be engaged within transverse grooves or catch members 42 in thickened boss parts 43 of tube 23. The grooves 42 are notched downwardly between their two ends so the catch members 41 are not liable to be accidentally disengaged from the grooves 42 but are quickly and easily disengaged from said grooves or engaged therein in cleaning the trap.

in the installation and use of this trap the tubular fitting 12 is installed in' the usual manner in the sink bottom and is connected by housing tube 19 with a suitable drain pipe. This provides a connection between the sink and the drain pipe which does not need to be disconnected in cleaning the trap. The assembled trap parts tube 23 and cup 40, together with strainer 30 are easily handled as a unit in removing them for cleaning and replacing them in parts 12 and 19 for use.

lclaim:

1. In a plumbing trap adapted to connect an outlet opening in the bottom of a water receptacle with a drain pipe, a thbular fitting capable of being installed in the water outlet opening of the water receptacle,, the lower end portion of said tubular fitting being internally threaded;a water outlet tube having an externally threaded upper end portion removably connected with the internally threaded lower end portion of said tubular fitting for removal of the water outlet tube upwardly through the tubular fitting, the water outlet tube exfitting and enclosing the trap member and spaced from the walls of the trap member and forming a conduit for water which discharges from the trap member, said housing having an outlet opening capable of being connected with a drain pipe.

2. The plumbing trap as claimed in claim 1 in which the water outlet tube has an outwardly extending flange on its upper end and in which catch members are con- 'nected with said water outlet tube below and close to said outwardly extending flange, and other catch mem bers suitably shaped and positioned for quick and easy engagement with and disengagement from said first mentioned catch members are carried by the upper end portion of-said cup shaped trap member.

3. The plumbing trap as claimed in claim 1 in which the tubular fitting has an inwardly extending flange providing in said fitting an upwardlyv facing annular shoulder; and in which an outwardly extending annular flange having an overhanging annular lip at its upper end is provided on the upper end portion of the water outlet tube said tube being capable of readily removable threaded engagement with said inwardly extending flange of said tubular fitting.

4. The plumbing trap as claimed in claim 1 in which a strainer is provided in an operative water straining position above and close to the upper end of said water outlet tube; and interlocking devices are provided between said strainer and said tube, whereby said tube can be threaded into and out of engagement with said tubular fitting by turning said strainer.

5. The plumbing trap as claimed in claim 1 in which the tubular fitting is of substantial length and has an inwardly extending flange at its lower end, and in which the water outlet tube has, at its upper end, an outwardly extending flange capable of being threaded downwardly into or upwardly out of engagement with the inwardly extending flange on said tubular fitting,

and in which said water outlet tube further has catch devices adjacent its upper end by which it can be manipulated; a strainer operatively disposed in the tu bular fitting above the upper end of the water outlet tube; and two spaced apart L-shaped trap turning and lifting members rigid with and extending downwardly from the bottom of said strainer, said L-shaped members being positioned to engage with the catch devices on the upper end portion of said water outlet tube, whereby said tube can be turned in either direction to selectively engage and disengage the threaded flanges of said fitting and said tube, said tube and the cup shaped trap member connected therewith being strainer, said bail providing a hand hold by which the l strainercan be rotatively moved and lifted. 

1. In a plumbing trap adapted to connect an outlet opening in the bottom of a water receptacle with a drain pipe, a thbular fitting capable of being installed in the water outlet opening of the water receptacle,, the lower end portion of said tubular fitting being internally threaded;a water outlet tube having an externally threaded upper end portion removably connected with the internally threaded lower end portion of said tubular fitting for removal of the water outlet tube upwardly through the tubular fitting, the water outlet tube extending a substantial distance downwardly from the fitting; a cup shaped trap member extending upwardly over the water outlet tube and removably supported from said tube, the bottom end and sides of the trap member being spaced from the lower end and sides of the water outlet tube, the upper end portion of said trap member providing for a free outlet of water therefrom; and a water tight housing of substantially larger size than the trap member supported from said tubilar fitting aNd enclosing the trap member and spaced from the walls of the trap member and forming a conduit for water which discharges from the trap member, said housing having an outlet opening capable of being connected with a drain pipe.
 2. The plumbing trap as claimed in claim 1 in which the water outlet tube has an outwardly extending flange on its upper end and in which catch members are connected with said water outlet tube below and close to said outwardly extending flange, and other catch members suitably shaped and positioned for quick and easy engagement with and disengagement from said first mentioned catch members are carried by the upper end portion of said cup shaped trap member.
 3. The plumbing trap as claimed in claim 1 in which the tubular fitting has an inwardly extending flange providing in said fitting an upwardly facing annular shoulder; and in which an outwardly extending annular flange having an overhanging annular lip at its upper end is provided on the upper end portion of the water outlet tube said tube being capable of readily removable threaded engagement with said inwardly extending flange of said tubular fitting.
 4. The plumbing trap as claimed in claim 1 in which a strainer is provided in an operative water straining position above and close to the upper end of said water outlet tube; and interlocking devices are provided between said strainer and said tube, whereby said tube can be threaded into and out of engagement with said tubular fitting by turning said strainer.
 5. The plumbing trap as claimed in claim 1 in which the tubular fitting is of substantial length and has an inwardly extending flange at its lower end, and in which the water outlet tube has, at its upper end, an outwardly extending flange capable of being threaded downwardly into or upwardly out of engagement with the inwardly extending flange on said tubular fitting, and in which said water outlet tube further has catch devices adjacent its upper end by which it can be manipulated; a strainer operatively disposed in the tubular fitting above the upper end of the water outlet tube; and two spaced apart L-shaped trap turning and lifting members rigid with and extending downwardly from the bottom of said strainer, said L-shaped members being positioned to engage with the catch devices on the upper end portion of said water outlet tube, whereby said tube can be turned in either direction to selectively engage and disengage the threaded flanges of said fitting and said tube, said tube and the cup shaped trap member connected therewith being removable upwardly out of the fitting by lifting the strainer when the tube is disengaged from the fitting.
 6. The plumbing trap as claimed in claim 4 in which a bail is pivotally and foldably connected with the strainer, said bail providing a hand hold by which the strainer can be rotatively moved and lifted. 